Ask WMD: Ohio's Best Rx - Ohio Drug Card

Every now and then, we'll get an email that just asks a question. This is one of those:

I have another question. I heard on the radio today that Ohio was issuing a card that would give Ohio citizens discounts on prescription regardless of your income level. I think they said that about 2000 pharmacies would accept the card. They said the program would start today plus no charge for the card.

Do you know what they are talking about? Or where can I find the info?

Your doing a great job.

Thanks
Susan

Susan,

Before we get to what I think is the answer, let me thank you for reading WMD and asking a really good question.

According to the website, Ohio's Best Rx is for Ohio residents who are:

60 years of age or over;

OR

Under age 60 with annual family incomes of less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Level which is: $31,200 (single), $42,000 (family of two), $63,600 (family of four).

Click here for income limits for larger families.

There is all kinds of information about qualifying for the program at their website, so be sure to check it out.

Your question specifically said "regardless of income" which I am having difficulty tracking down. AARP (of all people) has some interesting information regarding Ohio Medicare Drug Plans in this PDF. At the end of that PDF is a number for Medicare, you might try calling those folks up and asking them in case they have more information than I do (and let's face it, they probably do!)

If you have a question and would like for the crack staff of WMD to investigate the answer, feel free to send us an email or leave a comment.

UPDATE: Actually, Susan has found the program she was looking for but wasn't sure that it was legit. I found an article on the program on Marc Dann's hometown paper, The Youngstown Vindicator, and it looks on the up and up. Check out the Ohio Drug Card by clicking here. According to the Vindy:

The program has no restrictions on membership, such as income or age, a news release said. Ohio Drug Card reports savings can range from 30 percent to 75 percent at more than 50,000 national and regional pharmacies, including Kmart Pharmacy, Rite Aid, Walgreens, CVS/pharmacy, Meijer, Discount Drug Mart, Marc’s Pharmacy.